ICSE Class 10, 9 English Language Solved Question Papers – 10

ICSE Class 10, 9 English Language Practice Papers – 10 With Answers

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Write a composition (300-400 words) on any one of the following:

Question 1(a).
Every year we see highly skilled people migrating to different countries in search of better jobs. For us it is a national loss. Discuss the problem of Brain Drain and how it can be solved.
Answer:
Brain drain is the migration of skilled human resources for trade, education, etc. Trained professionals are needed in every part of the world. However, the reasons for this lie in the hope of better standards of living ‘and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions prevailing in the western counties as compared to India. These countries have invested in the education and training of young professionals. This translates into a loss of considerable resources in a country like India when people migrate, with the direct benefit accruing to the recipient states who have not forked out the cost of educating them. The intellectuals of any country are some of the most expensive resources because of their training in terms of material cost and time, and most importantly, because of lost opportunity.

Brain Drain is a barrier to the country’s development. Talented and skilled people migrate to other countries for better payment and better lifestyle, which they are deprived of in India. They do this because they don’t get satisfactory facilities in India

Young, well-educated, healthy individuals are most likely to migrate, especially in pursuit of higher education and economic improvement. Continuing disparities in working conditions between richer and poorer countries offer a greater ‘pull’ towards the more developed countries.

Some facts are:

  • 70% Doctors in the USA are Indians.
  • 40%NASA scientists are Indians.
  • 40-50%Jobseekers in Australia are from India.

This is a really shameful matter for our country. Our country is the second largest producer of doctors, engineers and scientists. Having so much of potential, India is still under developed! Isn’t it the duty of every Indian to shoulder the responsibility of making it a developed one? If India wants to discourage this brain drain then there are some measures which need to be  taken. The government needs to motivate the youth and possible migrating professionals by improving working conditions, incentives of better salaries and future growth, likelihood of prosperity for themselves and their families and the opportunity for professional development.

The Youth of India needs to bring about a change in the system. If the system is neat, then India becomes rich. If India becomes rich, people get their requirements fulfilled. And if their requirements are fulfilled, then there will be no way for Brain Drain. Indian brains ought to boost the status of India.

Question 1(b).
Write a description of the happiest day in your life.
Answer:
There are some memorable days in life that remain etched in in our mind forever as the happiest days. These days are the reminders of the amazing time we had spent. My memory of the happiest day in my life was when I was having holidays after my boards. My friends were away to hill stations, I was feeling very lonely. I watched the cars and other vehicles passing by and wished that like my friends, I would also have been travelling or passing my time. While my mind was occupied with thoughts of holidays and having fun with my friends, the door bell rang. 1 ran to answer it and found the postman with a parcel and a letter for me.

I signed the paper and took the parcel. My hands were itching to open the packet as my curiosity knew no bounds. I ripped the parcel open and found a the latest I watch in it. The parcel had been sent front the United States and the letter along with it was from my uncle who had sent me that wonderful gift.

However, it was the letter from my uncle more than the gift which made my heart leap with joy. The letter was an invitation to go to the United States for my holidays. My uncle had arranged everything for me-the tickets and the visa, and I already had a passport.

My heart skipped several beats as I ran to give this great news to my mother. She was taken aback initially and her first reaction was not so positive.

However, she thought about it, consulted my father who was at his office and they both agreed to allow me to go to the United States to spend the rest of my holidays with my uncle.

I jumped from room to room and started packing my clothes, my books and other articles that I would need on the flight. My mind was filled with various ideas about how I would spend my time with my cousins. I started dreaming about Disney world, Universal studios, the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon and all the other tourist attractions that I had read about in magazines.

My father took me shopping the same day because he felt that I would need some more things to take with me. We bought gifts for my cousins and my uncle and aunt and when I came back home my cupboard was full of new clothes, shoes, gifts, etc.

Since I had not expected any such thing to happen to me, and I had been feeling sorry for myself, this offer came as a great surprise. This was indeed the happiest day of my life and I don’t think I shall ever forget it as long as I live.

Question 1(c).
What changes have you seen in your lifetime with regard to people’s attitudes towards the environment? How do you feel about these changes?
Answer:
The Environment has been a prominent part of the political agenda since the 1960s. The expansion of the consumer society after the Second World War in North America and Europe increased the pressure on the environment to such an extent that it became alarming. A more  affluent and better educated population showed its concern for the environment and demanded a cleaner and healthier environment. The environmental movement that originated from these concerns was not very historically oriented and regarded the contemporary problems as a unique product of 20th century capitalism and industrial progress. The separation of nature from culture obscures the fact that culture is influenced by the nature surrounding it. But it is not a one-way street because culture is also asserting its influence on the natural world. The period during which European society regarded nature as something that could be used at will and changed limitlessly to meet our needs did not last for long. The concern for the environment reached a climax around 1860.

Human history is not only the story of the impact of its actions on the physical environment. It is also the story of human reaction to the changing natural world. It is the story of climatic change, slow geological processes, species extinctions and biological changes. The history of the relation between humans and their natural surroundings is a tale of interaction and not a one way street. Cultural revolution, speeded up with the development of metallurgy and writing, caused environmental degradation. The most damaging activity was undoubtedly agriculture. It transformed complete landscapes. A combination of climatic change and human misuse of fragile environments afterwards caused the decline.

But in my opinion we must realise that people’s attitude to the environment in many cases was the result of being at a cross road between the humanities and the natural sciences. The modification of the environment was a logical and necessary step for the people involved, because for them it had practical, political or economic advantages. It is always easy to be wise after the event and condemn people for what they did or did not. Therefore, we should realise more than anybody else that the world is not divided into black and white. There are only shades of grey and it is imperative that we explain and accept these shades and make sense of them and this is also true in the attitudes and change in them regarding our environment.

Question 1(d).
Take risks: If you win you will be happy; if you lose you will be wise.
Answer:
The quote is really about the true value of failure. It has to do with taking risks, living life to its fullest potential. Too many people play it safe, they never have a little fun. That’s what life is all about. Without risk there is no reward. Most people are paralysed by a fear of failure and as a result rarely take any action.

In life, one often has to make hard choices, take risks and face the consequences which may not. always be to our heart’s desires. We work hard but sometimes cannot achieve our goal. We call this phenomenon our ‘failure’. We win some, we lose some. If you look at it positively there’s no such thing as failure. If you fail at least you can do better next time and become wiser enough. If you treat them as a learning experience and adapt your approach, the failures are often more valuable than the successes.

The wise say experience is what educates us in life. It teaches us how to respond to a particular situation should it happen again. It widens our horizons and increases our tolerance. A bird which all its life has lived in the country side will be baffled by the city’s hustle and bustle if she has never flown to the city before. Once she has, she develops new knowledge that affects the way she acts in future to similar scenarios. Similarly failures however disappointing always alter us psychologically. They help develop our personality just like other experiences in life play their part. We own our failures as much as we do our successes, no matter how hard we try to deny

It is thus imperative that we relieve ourselves of the fear of failure. The fear of failure induces failure. If we are bold and confident to embrace what lays ahead then even our failures would become our successes. The luxury of choice is at our disposal. It is up to us to choose a failure as the end or the new beginning.

Question 1(e).
Study the picture given below. Write a story or an account of what the picture suggests to you. Your composition maybe about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; but there must be a clear connection between the picture and the composition.
ICSE Class 10, 9 English Language Solved Question Papers - 10
Answer:
The term child performer includes young singers, actors, dancers, gymnasts, etc. Although currently, child performers are protected by various laws yet some believe that these laws do not provide adequate protection, and that these child performers represent a group whose rights are being undermined. Some people believe that the only way to protect these children completely is to ban child performers outright.

Performing and earning money at a young age deprives these children of the experiences that childhood has to offer. The average childhood experiences are key in a person’s life as they are the basis of our understanding and provide us with memories that sometimes shape our life.

There is a serious risk of exploitation. Not only can parents take a child’s money but they can also force them into doing things that they don’t want to do. Also, it limits the child’s education. One of the most important parts of growing up is enjoying a social, happy childhood and we are simply pushing these performers to grow up too soon.

These kids are pushed to their breaking point. Several of them can’t handle it .They sometimes become mentally and physically ill. If a ban is put it would save lot of children from destruction.

Most parents in this world want to see their children succeed in life and have a better future. This is why education is important .But if they continue they have no time for studying, Another thing these children have to face is stress. Stress at young age can lead to low blood pressure and mental imbalance. These child performers lack time with friends. A normal child – plays with his or her friends but these poor kids are busy performing. They lose out on the simple and normal pleasures and pains of childhood and this stunts their personality and psyche.

(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question)
Select one of the following:

Question 2(a).
Your younger brother has written a letter requesting you to advise him, whether he should take Computer Science as one of the subjects for the ICSE examination. Write your reply to his letter giving useful suggestions
Answer:
24, Tagore Road
Dehradun
Dear Pawan

I hope you are doing well in your studies. It is always advisable to make the best use of this part of student life, because the present achievements will stand you in good stead in the institutions of higher learning. Never be careless and always try to put in maximum possible efforts in your studies.

You had asked me to advise you on whether you should take computer science as a subject for your ICSE examination. 1 feel you should definitely take it as one of your subjects as it will be of great advantage in the future. The world is progressing fast and computers are the necessity of the future. Both computer hardware and software knowledge is important .It is required in all professions and in every field. Hence ,if you want to secure your future then computer science is the answer. Hope you will take my advice and select it as it will help in whatever stream you choose to specialise in later.

But although computer science is a difficult subject it however, does not mean that you should go on studying books like a book-worm and neglect your health and recreational pursuits. 1, therefore, advise you to take active part in games, as these will benefit you a lot.Therefore, always try to take part in games and divide your time into studies and sports. Games are a necessary part of education as they make one healthy, wealthy and wise. A healthy student may learn more and assimilate more. Therefore the adage goes that “health is wealth’.
I will always be there to give you advice, so never hesitate to ask. Write soon.
Yours affectionately
XYZ.

Question 2(b).
Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your city, pointing out the need for constructing public parks to cater to the needs of the residents of your colony.
Answer:
Shivaji Nagar
Kanpur
U.P.
To
The Municipal Commissioner  Kanpur.
U.P.
SUB: Request for Public Park
Sir,
I would like request you to authorize a park to be made in our colony, Shakti Nagar, as this is the dire need of the residents who have no open and green space . Community facilities enhance the lives of residents in numerous ways. Parks provide green space and room to move for people in crowded city neighbourhoods. Although they are often considered frills when budgets are tight, they can be just as important as, fire and police services to the quality of life in a community. Parks are the lungs of a city; offering green space and fresh air to people who otherwise might seldom experience anything but concrete and exhaust fumes. They can protect open land, extraordinary landscapes, and historic sites. Parks bring residents together and actually help create the sense of community that defines a place. For that reason, among others, most municipalities fund the construction of parks. Hence I feel that you should give my request serious consideration as it would be a great step forward to make the life of the residents more congenial and healthy.
Hope to hear a positive reply from you soon.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
XYZ

Question 3.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Answer:
Madame Loisel now became acquainted with the horrors of extreme poverty. She made up her mind to it, and played her part heroically. The appalling debt had to be paid, and pay it she would. The maid was dismissed; the flat was given up. She undertook all the rough house hold work and the odious duties of the kitchen. Dressed like a working woman, she went with her basket on her arm to the greengrocer, the grocer, and the butcher, bargaining, wrangling, and fighting for every farthing.

Her husband spent his evening working at some tradesmen’s accounts, and at night, he would often copy manuscripts at a cheap rate per page.
This existence went on for ten years.

At the end of that time, they had paid off everything to the last penny, including the usurious rates and the accumulations of interest.

Madame Loisel now looked an old woman. She had become the typical poor man’s wife, rough, coarse, hardbitten. Her hair was neglected, her skirts hung awry, and her hands were red.

One Sunday, she went for a stroll in the Champs-Elysees, for relaxation after the week’s work, and caught sight of a lady with a child. She recognised Madame Forestier, who looked as young, as pretty and attractive as ever. Madame Loisel felt greatly disturbed. Should she speak to her? Why not? Now that the debt was paid, why should she not tell her the whole story? She went up to her.
“Good morning, Jeanne.”Her friend did not recognise her and was surprised at being addressed so familiarly by  this homely person.
“I am afraid I do not know you-you must have made a mistake,” she said hesitatingly.
“No. 1 am Mathilde Loisel.”
Her friend uttered a cry.
“Oh, my poor Mathilde, how you have changed!”
“Yes, I have been through a very hard time since I saw you, no end of trouble, and all through you.”
“Through me? What do you mean?”
“You remember that diamond necklace that you lent me to wear to the ball at the ministry!”
“Yes. Well?”
“Well, I lost it.”
“I don’t understand you brought it back to me.”
“What I brought you back was another one, exactly like it. And for the last ten years, we have been paying for it. You will understand that it was not an easy matter for people like us, who hadn’t a penny. However, it’s all over now. I can’t tell you what a relief it is.”
Madame Forestier had stopped dead.
“You mean to say that you bought a real diamond necklace to replace mine?”“Yes. And you never noticed? They were certainly very much alike.” She smiled with igenuous pride and satisfaction.
Madame Forestier seized both her hands in great distress.
“Oh, my poor, deam Mathilde! Why, mine was only imitation. At the most it was worth five hundred fiances!’

Question 3(a).
Give the meanings of the following words as given in the passage.One word answers or short phrases will be accepted.

(1) Appalling
Ans. appalling-horrifying; shocking.

(2) Accumulations
Ans. accumulations-the acquisition or gradual gathering of something.

(3) Ingenous
Ans. ingenuous-clever, original, and inventive.

Question 3(b).
Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

Question 1.
What did Madame Loisel do to be able to repay her debts?
Answer:
Madame Loisel dismissed the maid,gave up the flat ,did all the rough household work and even went shopping for grocery etc.,dressed like a working woman.

Question 2.
How did Madame Loisel’s new life change her appearance and manners?
Answer:
As a result of her new poverty stricken life,Madame Loisel became the typical poor man’s wife,rough, coarse and hard-bitten.She looked like an old woman.Her hair was untidy,her skirts awry and her hands red due to work.

Question 3.
Why was Madame Loisel disturbed at the sight of a lady with a child?
Answer:
Madame Loisel was disturbed at the sight of a lady with a child because that lady was Madame Forrester,her friend,who still looked as young ,as pretty and as attractive as ever.

Question 4.
Explain how Madame Forrester had become the cause of all troubles in Loisel’s household.
Answer:
Madame For rester had lent Madame Loisel a diamond necklace to wear to a party which Madame Loisel had lost. In order to return the necklace Madame Loisel had bought one similar to the one she had borrowed and had to spend the next ten years paying off the debt by working hard and living a life of poverty. Hence, she helt Madame For rester had been the cause of all her troubles.

Question 5.
What was the difference between the necklace borrowed and the necklace returned by Madame Loisel?
Answer:
The necklace borrowed by Madame Loisel was a fake but the one she returned was real.

Question 6.
Give the feelings of Madame Forrester and Madame Loisel at the end of the story.
Answer:
Madame Forrester felt distressed at inadvertently being the cause of Madame Loisel’s sad situation. All labour lost However, Madame Loisel felt pride and satisfaction at the thought that Madame Forrester had not realised that she had returned another necklace and not the one she had borrowed.

Question 3(c).
In not more than 60 words, state the hardships faced by Madame Loisel and how she was in for a terrible shock at the end of the story.
Answer:
Madame Loisel spent ten years living a life of poverty and hardship trying to pay back the loan that she had taken to buy the necklace to return to Madame Forrester.But at the end Madame Forrester gave her a rude shock when she told her that the necklace she had lent was a fake.

Question 3(d).
Give a title to the passage and give a reason to justify your choice.
Answer:
“All labour lost” seems a suitable title as in the end Madame Loisel’s hard work was a waste.

Question 4(a).
In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in
  
brackets. Do not copy the passage , but write in the correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt_____ 1__ (launch) a public campaign,____ 2___ (know) as the Chipko Movement, to Protect the trees against the axe. In this movement, village women played an active role. They took up their positions with each________ 3___ (hug) a tree by enveloping the trunk in their arms. This 4 (do) to warn the contractors that if they wanted____ 5___ (cut)down a tree, they would have to attack the protestors first Bhatt himself__ 6___ (surprise) at the success of the movement and at the protestor’s positive participation to prevent the felling of trees. This unusual movement was successful as it 7 (base) on the principle of non-violence and_____________ 8___ (focus) on the sentimental feelings of the local inhabitants who treated trees as their family members.
Answer:

  1. launched
  2. known
  3. hugging
  4. was done
  5. to Cut
  6. was surprised
  7. was based
  8. focussed

Question 4(b).
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

  1. 1 can eat anything except fish.
  2. I’m afraid the deal fell through.
  3. Why do you interfere in my affairs?
  4. We’re too busy to take on more work.
  5. It all amounts to quite a lot of money.
  6. I can’t bend down in these trousers.
  7. The cat was run over by a bus.
  8. The captain entered into a pact with the players.

Question 4(c).
Join each of the following sentences to make one sentence without using and,but or so 

(1) He is very honest .He does not keep other people’s money.
Ans. Being very honest, he does not keep other people’s money.

(2) He was down with fever. He was therefore, unable to attend his office.
Ans. Being down with fever, he was ,therefore, unable to attend his office.

(3) The old man is very rich. He is still discontented.
Ans. Inspite of being very rich, the old man is still discontented.

(4) My mother will hear of my success. She will be delighted.
Ans. On hearing of my success, my mother will be delighted.

Question 4(d).
Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changest hat may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence.

(1) He is the most intelligent man I have ever.(Begin: 1 have never met…)
Ans. I have never met a more intelligent man than him.

(2) What a delicious meal they served us.(Begin: They…)
Ans. They served us a delicious meal.

(3) It’s a pity that it’s too late to do anything. (Begin: I wish…)
Ans. I wish it wasn’t too late to do anything.

(4) Being poor he cannot afford such an expensive treatment, (use: as )
Ans. As he is poor he cannot afford such an expensive treatment.

(5) Meera -is a clever girl and is always dependable. (Begin: Besides…)
Ans. Besides being clever Meera is also dependable.

(6) The teacher said to me, “I have never seen such a clever boy like you.” ( Begin: The teacher told me that………. )
Ans. The teacher told me that she had never seen a clever boy like me.

(7) On realising his mistake he apologised to her. (Begin: When…………. )
Ans. When he realised his mistake, he apologised to her.

(8) Give him some more time and he will complete the project by tomorrow. (Begin: If…..)
Ans. If you give him some more time he will complete the project by tomorrow.

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